Puppy Mill Project names Maltese Millie as new mascot

CHICAGO, IL (JUNE, 2013)- The Puppy Mill Project, a non-profit organization that strives to educate the public and generate awareness about the continued acts of animal cruelty in puppy mills, recently announced the arrival of their new mascot, Millie. Millie, a Maltese, comes all the way from Peyton, CO where she was residing, having been rescued by the National Mill Dog Rescue. Millie's story of neglect, overbreeding, zero socialization and inhumane treatment exemplifies what The Puppy Mill Project's whole purpose stems from, a hope to end puppy mill cruelty entirely.

Some may call it fate that The Puppy Mill Project Founder Cari Meyers came to rescue Millie. While volunteering for the National Mill Dog Rescue, where Millie was recently placed, Meyers, having lost another beloved rescue two years prior, had no intention of getting another. However, when Meyers saw Millie for the first time, she noticed a resemblance to her dog that had passed away and they connected immediately.

After living in a cage and neglected her entire life of and estimated 5-6 years, Millie has sustained much emotional, physical and mental anguish without any vet care. Over the course of her life, it's estimated Millie gave birth to 8-10 litters of puppies, with all litters delivered via cesarean. When rescued, it was discovered Millie hade a severe infection of the uterus if left untreated would have killed her. She immediately received a complete hysterectomy. Additionally, Millie's teeth were in such poor condition, she immediately had 13 teeth pulled. It is said that you can tell a dog's age by the quality of their teeth so her age is estimated at 5-6 years old, but it will never be known for sure.

Even though Millie's problems are specific to her, all mill dogs experience emotional, physical and mental issues. Passive and submissive due to no socialization, mill dogs must earn your trust over a period of time. Thankfully, after not much time, Millie is beginning to adjust to her new living conditions within the Meyers' household including three other rescue dogs, Bernie, Stewie and Ollie.

"I have hit the lotto with Millie," says Meyers. "Mill dogs never forget what they have been through but it amazes me that they have the ability to forgive after all of the cruelty they endure. They are very special creatures. Although raising a mill dog is not for everyone, I couldn't picture my life any other way," says Meyers.

ABOUT THE PUPPY MILL PROJECT

Based in Chicago, Illinois, and founded in 2009, The Puppy Mill Project is a non-profit organization created to educate the public and raise awareness about the systematic animal cruelty in puppy mills.

Since 2009, The Puppy Mill Project has been successful in closing down four stores that were selling puppy mill dogs, and converting several others to a "Humane Pet Store Model". They have facilitated the rescue of over 200 puppy mill dogs. The organization has successfully educated hundreds of school-age children through its' Humane Education Program, as youth outreach is very important for the future.

Cari Meyers, the Founder, has made it her passion and life's work to put an end to puppy mill cruelty. This is done through community events, peaceful protests, humane education, donations, and the media. It is the only organization in Illinois dedicated solely to ending puppy mill cruelty. For more information, please call 847-261-4245, or visit www.ThePuppyMillProject.org.